The document lists the top 10 skills that employers are looking for based on a 2014 survey. The top skill is teamwork, with the ability to work efficiently by distributing workloads based on strengths and improving cohesion. The second most important skill is problem solving and decision making, to quickly address issues by developing solutions. Third is organizational skills to plan, prioritize and complete work efficiently. The remaining skills include verbal communication, data collection/processing, analytical ability, job-specific knowledge, computer software proficiency, report writing, and the ability to influence others.

1. 2014
TOP10
SKILLS EMPLOYERS
ARE LOOKING FOR
Based on Nace’s Job Outlook 2014 survey

2. 10. Ability to Influence Others
Influence is defined as the ability
to be a compelling force on the
actions of others.
Managers and employees alike
use influence in leading teams,
presenting a project idea
or selling a product to a potential
customer.

3. 9. Report Writing
An employee’s ability to create and edit
well-structured, concise, and unambiguous
reports is absolutely essential in
data tracking, analysis, and presentation.
Report Examples:
• Sales Reports
• Budget Allocations
• General Ledger Entries
• Business Planning
• Marketing Reports

4. 8. Computer Software Proficiency
Computers are an integral part of most
employee’s day-to-day work.
It is a vital skill to know how to use
a wide range of programs and when to
use each one.
Employees with specialized software usage
knowledge can often command higher
compensation owing to their ability to
maintain critical systems and produce
valuable information from large amounts of data.

5. 7. Job–Specific Knowledge
Computers are an integral part of most
employee’s day-to-day work.
It is a vital skill to know how to use
a wide range of programs and when to
use each one.
Employees with specialized software
usage knowledge can often command
higher compensation owing to their ability to
maintain critical systems and produce
valuable information from large amounts of data.

6. 6. Analytical Ability
Quantitative analytical ability has
become a crucial skill in the age of
big data.
Employees with analytical abilities
are able to:
1. Identify business questions,
2. identify the data
needed to answer those questions
3. Extract and summarize, manipulate, and present data
in such a way that allows business decisions to be made

7. 5. Data Collection & Processing
Knowing where to collect data, how
to collect data, and how to process
data.
Producing meaning full business
intelligence using reliable data sources
allows management make important
business decisions.

8. 4. Verbal Communication
Effective verbal communication
allows employees to contribute
actionable ideas, new projects,
and personal opinions.
Effective Verbal Communication
includes:
Appropriate language
Clear & Audible voice
Courteous tone
Active listening
Asking questions or rephrasing

9. 3. Organizational Skills
The ability to plan, organize, and
prioritize work, allows employees
to complete work with improved
quality and speed, leaving more
time for the employee to take on
more work or take on personal
projects that are beneficial to the
company.

10. 2. Problem Solving & Decision Making
In a business environment problems
appear sporadically, and unpredictably.
Companies need employees who can
quickly respond to problems, by
devising solutions and deciding
the best course of action to take.

11. 1. Teamwork
Employees who have the ability to work in
teams:
• Work Efficiently by effectively
distributing workload and taking
advantage of each member’s strengths
a team is able to complete more work in
less time.
• Improve Organizational Cohesion
by building strong relations with and
between co-workers
• Learn More – Working effectively in
teams gives employees access to the knowledge and skills of more
experienced co-workers or co-workers in an entirely different field.